WASHINGTON — Shortly after the Phillies' sleepy 4-2 loss Thursday in Washington, team officials in Philadelphia selected LSU pitcher Aaron Nola with the No. 7 pick in the MLB Draft. It is the highest the Phillies have picked since selecting Gavin Floyd fourth overall in 2001.

Nola is seen as a safe pick. The 6-1 righty could be in the majors within two years, Phillies assistant general manager Marti Wolever told reporters in Philly on Thursday evening. Picking Nola — who pitched three years at LSU — is a departure from the Phillies' philosophy of not selecting college pitchers in previous drafts.

Nola ranks third in career strikeouts (345), fourth in ERA (2.09) and fifth in wins (30) in school history.